~Senior Research Project~
The Research Project course is designed to prepare students for research projects that they may undertake in their studies at the university level. The emphasis of the course is to guide students through the steps of selecting a topic, becoming acquainted with published materials, developing a research project, engaging in independent research and becoming proficient in computer, writing, and speaking skills needed for research and presentation. Independent thinking and initiative is needed since the development of the project is largely a self-guided and self-motivated activity. This course includes many areas of development and therefore allows the teacher the opportunity to assist students in polishing and refining students’ skills. It is one of the final graduation requirements for QSI secondary students who are planning to earn a QSI Academic or QSI Academic Diploma with Honors.

The Research Project course is divided into ten essential unit outcomes. The development of a web site is offered as a Selective Outcome. The course is related to the competencies and knowledge noted in the QSI English Program Outcomes. The normal pace for this course leads to mastery of the ten unit outcomes in one school year, but may vary with some students. Students normally engage in this course during their last secondary year.

A resource committee will be formed to ensure the progress of each student. The committee will include at least two staff members and one person related to the subject area of the project. They will meet as often as necessary to review the topic, the outline, the drafts and the presentation.

The Major Tenets of a Senior Research Project Include:

  1. Development of a hypothesis
  2. Experimentation
  3. Data interpretation and analysis
  4. Communication of research findings and connection to society
  5. Collaboration
  6. Presentation